In Loving Memory of Donald Ray “Duck” Stulce July 26, 1948 – October 16, 2026 

Donald Ray “Duck” Stulce was born on July 26, 1948, to Louis and Hallie Stulce. He grew up alongside his siblings, Dan Stulce, Marlene Boulch, and Diane DeNoon. His story began in the hollers of Huzzah, Missouri, and would grow into a lifetime filled with hard work, service, love, laughter, and more stories than anyone could count. As a young man, Duck worked as a carhop at Sonic on Grand Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. Around 1966 the family returned to Shoal Creek, where he worked alongside of his grandfather, Ray Stulce and then his father purchased the Zephyr Station in 1968. Duck worked alongside his father, beginning what would become a lifelong dedication to mechanics and the community he called home.

In 1968, Duck was drafted into the United States Army to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He served as a radio operator and spent 18 months overseas. During his service, he traveled through multiple countries, experienced things that would stay with him for a lifetime, and collected countless stories that he would share for years to come. For his honorable service, Duck was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Upon returning home from the Army, Duck went straight back to work at the Zephyr Station in Viburnum, Missouri. For more than 50 years, Duck wasn’t just the man behind the counter or under the hood at the Zephyr Station. He was a familiar face, a helping hand, and a friend to generations of families throughout Viburnum and the surrounding communities. He greeted just about everyone with his familiar, “How you doing there, young man?” or “How you doing there, young lady?” And, of course, who could ever forget his famous “Ahhh, yes.” Whether you stopped in because your vehicle needed fixing or you just wanted to visit, chances are you left with a story, a laugh, and quite possibly a good old-fashioned butt chewing. But long before all those years at the station, another chapter of Duck’s life began with a love story that was just as unforgettable as the man himself. While home on leave in 1969, Duck asked a beautiful young lady named Erna Mae if she would go on a date with him. She told him no. But Duck, being Duck, simply replied, “Well, if you don’t wanna go, I can’t make you, but I’ll be here at 7.” And wouldn’t you know it? When he knocked on that door at 7 o’clock, she was ready. That one date turned into a lifetime together.

On June 7, 1970, Duck married his beloved “Babydoll,” Erna Mae. Together, they built a life and a family that would become one of his greatest blessings. They welcomed two children, Sharon and Donald Ray Jr., and their family later grew to include their children’s spouses, Mark Beeman and Jamie Stulce. And then came the grandbabies! Travis, Taylor, Gabrielle, Baylee, Lily, and Donielle brought even more love, laughter, and memories into Duck’s life. And just when you thought his heart couldn’t hold any more, along came the great-grandbabies: Chase, Colton, and Isla. Duck was an outdoorsman at heart. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping, and he enjoyed the simple things in life. Whether he was spending time outdoors, tinkering with something mechanical, or surrounded by his family, Duck was happiest doing the things he loved. There wasn’t a mechanical problem Duck couldn’t solve, especially with his trusty iPad nearby and Bub there to fetch his tools. Above all else, Duck loved his family. He worked hard, loved in his own way, and always made sure the people he cared about were taken care of. He was the kind of man who showed his love through his actions, his dedication, and his willingness to do whatever needed to be done.

Duck was preceded in death by his father, Louis Stulce; his mother, Hallie Stulce; his brother, Dan Stulce; and his sister, Marlene Boulch.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Erna Mae Stulce; his children, Sharon (Mark) Beeman and Donald Ray Jr. (Jamie) Stulce; his grandchildren, Taylor (Ryan Polite), Travis, Gabrielle (Brandon McCarter), Baylee, Lily, and Donielle; his great-grandchildren, Chase, Colton, and Isla; his sister, Diane (John) DeNoon; and his brother-in-law, Clarence Boulch, along with many other family members, friends, and a community that will never forget him.

Duck lived a life of service, sacrifice, hard work, and love. He proudly served his country, spent more than five decades serving his community, and devoted his life to the family he loved. He wasn’t a man who needed fancy things or recognition. He was simply Duck — a man with a story to tell, a tool in his hand, a little bit of ornery in his personality, and a heart that belonged to his family. And though the station may seem a little quieter, the stories will continue, the memories will live on, and somewhere in Viburnum, someone will surely hear those familiar words in their mind one more time… “Ahhh, yes.” Rest easy, Duck. You’ve earned your rest.

Honored to be casket bearers will be Mark Rhoades, Travis Beeman, Brandon McCarter, Ryan Polite, Joseph Gillam and Isaiah Marty with Honorary Chase McCarter, Colton McCarter JP Painter Dave Eaton and Marty Maize.

The Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 with Rev. Paul Davis officiating.

Committal prayer and interment will be in the Skaggs Cemetery, Davisville, MO with Full Military Honors from the U.S. Army.

The Stulce Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.